KUBAN TAHTARY. 
an otter ; its under jaw being armed with two 
very formidable tusks : with these, when caught, 
it gnashes against and grates its upper teeth. 
It is to the highest degree tierce, and, for so 
small an animal, remarkably intimidating; for 
although it will not turn out of the way while 
on its march, it bites and tears whatsoever it 
encounters. It is of a pale ash colour ; and, 
with the exception of the head, much like the 
common mole. 
Passing the Ae, we entered the territory of 
the Tchernomorski : proceeding about four miles 
farther, we arrived at Cherubinovshoy , a wretched 
village, built of reeds, but containing two ox- 
three paltry shops. As we journeyed from this 
place, the post-houses were constructed accord- 
ing to the description given in the beginning of 
this Chapter They were totally destitute of 
any security from the weather, consisting only 
of a few bundles of reeds and flags, loosely 
put together, and liable to be scattered by the 
slightest wind. The wonder is, how cattle can 
possibly be preserved in such places during 
the winter season, which is sometimes extremely 
severe. We observed several sledges for tra- 
( 1) See the Vignette. 
